AN estimated price tag of almost €1m for the renovation of a former garda station and residence to create two new housing units has been described as exorbitant.

Cllr Finbarr Harrington said: ‘The cost of the project in Adrigole, which is estimated at €978,913, is extraordinarily high, but the director of services for housing has explained to members of the Western Division that the building is a protected structure.’

According to the Independent councillor, detailed surveys of the building had to be carried out and there is an obligation on the local authority to safeguard a protected species, namely bats.

He said features, such as old sash windows, are considered to an integral part of the design of the building and these will have to be reconstructed to a high heritage standard.

Meanwhile, the sum of €731,176 has been earmarked for another two social housing units, this time involving the reconstruction of the former garda station and residence in Goleen.

In a presentation of the bi-monthly housing report, it also emerged that the cost of developing 21 new social housing units at Old Barrack Road has been set at €9.5 million, however, that project is subject of a judicial review, which Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) described as a disgrace given the pent-up demand for housing in the area.

Meanwhile, at Meenvane in Schull, the cost of providing six social housing units has been estimated at €2,179,615; while eight units in Durrus could cost €2,798,324 to complete.

Increased building costs was mentioned as a factor in pushing up the costs of construction in the region.